Satellite-borne phased-array antenna, satellite, low-orbit satellite system and layout method

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of antennas, in particular to a satellite-borne phased-array antenna, a satellite, a low-orbit satellite system and a layout method. The satellite-borne phased-array antenna comprises at least one antenna array, each antenna array comprises a plurality of array element antennas, and the array element antennas are used for scanning a target angle range according to a target bandwidth frequency in a frequency band system; wherein the rotation angle of each array element antenna in the antenna array is an integral multiple of a specified rotation degree, and the rotation angles of all the array element antennas are not completely the same, so that non-periodic polarization and phase disturbance are performed on the surface current and the electric field of the array element antenna and the surface current and the electric field of other array element antennas; according to the satellite-borne phased-array antenna, the problem of rapid lifting due to far-zone sidelobes and cross polarization of a diagonal azimuth tangent plane of the antenna array can be avoided, so that the satellite-borne phased-array antenna can better resist interference, the survivability and the adaptive capacity in a complex environment are improved, and the overall performance of the satellite-borne phased-array antenna is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of antenna technology, specifically to a spaceborne phased array antenna, a satellite, a low-orbit satellite system, and a layout method for the spaceborne phased array antenna. Background Technology

[0002] A phased array antenna is an antenna that changes its radiation pattern shape by controlling the feed phase of the radiating elements in the antenna array. Controlling the phase can change the direction of the maximum value of the antenna radiation pattern, thereby achieving beam scanning.

[0003] With intensifying competition in the construction of mega-constellations in low Earth orbit and the trend of 6G space-ground integration, improving the sidelobe suppression performance of the array can suppress co-channel interference and improve the reuse rate of orbit and spectrum resources. On the other hand, improving the cross-polarization suppression capability of the array is beneficial to ensuring the channel isolation of the polarization multiplexing system, which is directly related to the high-throughput satellite capacity and multi-beam coordination accuracy.

[0004] In wideband systems (referring to systems with a bandwidth frequency greater than or equal to 15% of the relative bandwidth), as the frequency increases and the scan angle increases (e.g., the scan angle can be ±50° or more), the problems of the array's far-field sidelobe level (SLL) rise and cross-polarization deterioration gradually become prominent, directly affecting the system's anti-interference capability, target resolution, and spectral efficiency.

[0005] In related technologies, reducing the sidelobes and cross-polarization of phased array antennas mainly involves addressing issues from two aspects: algorithm shaping and array arrangement structure. However, this approach faces numerous unresolved problems and technical and process challenges in its application to spaceborne communication environments. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To overcome the problems existing in the related technologies, an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure provides a spaceborne phased array antenna, including: at least one antenna array, each antenna array including multiple array element antennas, the array element antennas being used to scan a target angle range in a frequency band system according to a target bandwidth frequency; wherein, the rotation angle of each array element antenna in the antenna array is an integer multiple of a specified rotation degree, and the rotation angles of all array element antennas are not exactly the same, so that the surface current and electric field of the array element antenna are non-periodicly polarized and phase-perturbed with the surface current and electric field of other array element antennas.

[0007] In some embodiments, the rotation angle range of the array element antenna is 0-360°; the rotation angles of any two array element antennas in the antenna array may be the same or different.

[0008] In some embodiments, the rotation degree is specified as 5.625°.

[0009] In some embodiments, multiple array element antennas are arranged in a rectangular interval, and the number of rows of array element antennas in the antenna array may be the same as or different from the number of columns of array element antennas.

[0010] In some embodiments, there are multiple antenna arrays, and the multiple antenna arrays are arranged in rectangular intervals according to different specified arrangement directions.

[0011] In some embodiments, the array rotation angle between two adjacent antenna arrays differs by ±90°.

[0012] In some embodiments, there are multiple antenna arrays, and the multiple antenna arrays are arranged in a rectangular interval according to the same specified arrangement direction.

[0013] In some embodiments, the target angle range includes ±55° or more.

[0014] Secondly, this disclosure also provides a satellite, including the spaceborne phased array antenna provided in any of the foregoing aspects.

[0015] Thirdly, this disclosure also provides a low-orbit satellite system, including the satellites provided in any of the foregoing aspects.

[0016] Fourthly, this disclosure also provides a layout method for a spaceborne phased array antenna, comprising: acquiring multiple element antennas, which are used to scan a target angle range in a frequency band system according to the target bandwidth frequency; determining the rotation angle of each element antenna, wherein the rotation angle is an integer multiple of a specified rotation degree, and the rotation angles of all element antennas are not exactly the same, so that the surface current and electric field of the element antenna are non-periodicly polarized and phase-perturbed with the surface current and electric field of other element antennas; and obtaining an antenna array based on the layout position of each element antenna and the corresponding rotation angle.

[0017] In some embodiments, the number of antenna arrays is multiple, and the method further includes: arranging multiple antenna arrays in rectangular intervals according to different specified arrangement directions, and the array rotation angle between two adjacent antenna arrays differs by ±90°; or, arranging multiple antenna arrays in rectangular intervals according to the same specified arrangement direction.

[0018] In some embodiments, the method further includes: performing phase calibration on each element antenna according to the layout positions of all element antennas and the corresponding rotation angles, so as to compensate for the physical rotation phase of each element antenna.

[0019] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not intended to limit this disclosure.

[0020] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this disclosure may include the following beneficial effects: According to the spaceborne phased array antenna provided by this disclosure, since the rotation angles of each element antenna in the antenna array are not exactly the same, during operation, the surface current and electric field of each element antenna undergo non-periodic polarization and phase disturbance with the surface current and electric field of other element antennas. This avoids the problem of rapid rise of far-field sidelobes and cross-polarization of the diagonal azimuth section of the antenna array, so that the spaceborne phased array antenna can better resist interference, improve its survivability and adaptability in complex environments, and thus help improve the overall performance of the spaceborne phased array antenna. Attached Figure Description

[0021] This disclosure can be better understood by describing exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a spaceborne phased array antenna as shown in an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of another spaceborne phased array antenna architecture shown in an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of another spaceborne phased array antenna as shown in an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating a layout method for a spaceborne phased array antenna according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure.

[0026] Figure 5a An array pattern is shown in an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure;

[0027] Figure 5b An array axis ratio is shown in an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure;

[0028] Figure 6a An array pattern is shown in an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure;

[0029] Figure 6b An array axis ratio is shown in an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure;

[0030] Figure 7a An array pattern is shown in an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure;

[0031] Figure 7b An array axis ratio is shown in an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure;

[0032] Figure 8aAn array pattern is shown in an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure;

[0033] Figure 8b An array axis ratio is shown in an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure;

[0034] Figure 9a An array pattern is shown in an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure;

[0035] Figure 9b An array axis ratio is shown in an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure;

[0036] Figure 10a An array pattern is shown in an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure;

[0037] Figure 10b An array axis ratio is shown in an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure;

[0038] Figure 11a An array pattern is shown in an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure;

[0039] Figure 11b An array axis ratio is shown as an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure;

[0040] Figure 12a An array pattern is shown in an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure;

[0041] Figure 12b An array axis ratio is shown in an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure;

[0042] Figure 13a An array pattern is shown in an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure;

[0043] Figure 13b An array axis ratio is shown in an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure;

[0044] Figure 14a An array pattern is shown in an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure;

[0045] Figure 14b An array axis ratio is shown in an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure;

[0046] Figure 15a An array pattern is shown in an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure;

[0047] Figure 15b An array axis ratio is shown in an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure;

[0048] Figure 16aAn array pattern is shown in an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure;

[0049] Figure 16b An array axis ratio is shown in an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0050] The following describes specific embodiments of this disclosure. It should be noted that, in order to provide a concise description, this specification cannot exhaustively describe all features of the actual embodiments. It should be understood that, in the actual implementation of any embodiment, just as in any engineering or design project, various specific decisions are often made to achieve the developer's specific goals and to meet system-related or business-related constraints, and this can change from one embodiment to another. Furthermore, it is understood that although the efforts made in this development process may be complex and lengthy, for those skilled in the art related to the content disclosed in this disclosure, changes in design, manufacturing, or production based on the technical content disclosed in this disclosure are merely conventional technical means and should not be construed as insufficient content of this disclosure.

[0051] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this disclosure shall have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. The terms “first,” “second,” and similar terms used in this disclosure do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. The terms “a” or “one,” etc., do not indicate a quantity limitation, but rather indicate the presence of at least one. The terms “comprising,” “including,” etc., mean that the element or object preceding “comprising” or “including” encompasses the elements or objects listed following “comprising” or “including” and their equivalents, and do not exclude other elements or objects. The terms “connected,” “linked,” etc., are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, nor are they limited to direct or indirect connections.

[0052] A spaceborne phased array antenna is a phased array antenna installed on a satellite. This type of antenna can electronically change its beam direction without physically moving the antenna itself, enabling the satellite to maintain communication with specific points on the Earth's surface while moving in orbit. The array element antenna is used to scan the target angular range according to the target bandwidth frequency within the frequency band system. That is, in actual operation, the array element antenna can adjust its beam direction as needed to achieve communication or monitoring of targets within the target angular range, ensuring the satellite's communication performance.

[0053] When the scanning angle of the array element antenna is too large, it will cause a significant increase in the sidelobe level and a severe deterioration in cross-polarization, which in turn will lead to signal interference and a decrease in communication quality.

[0054] In related technologies, reducing the sidelobes and cross-polarization of phased array antennas mainly involves two aspects: algorithm shaping and array arrangement structure. Specific techniques employed may include, but are not limited to, the following:

[0055] The first method utilizes traditional amplitude-phase joint modulation algorithms, such as Taylor and Chebyshev methods, to reduce sidelobes through amplitude attenuation of edge elements. However, this approach leads to main lobe widening and a 1-2 dB decrease in main lobe gain. Furthermore, this amplitude-phase joint modulation method places high demands on the adjustable range of the RF power amplifier chip. Currently, the high-efficiency power amplifier chips and multi-functional chips used in onboard phased array antennas are limited by onboard resources, and their amplitude adjustable range often cannot meet the requirements of amplitude-phase joint modulation, thus failing to achieve the theoretical benefits of the aforementioned method. Moreover, when the array is scanned at large angles (±55°), the sidelobe suppression effect of this weighting algorithm is not significant, and the sidelobe intensity range rapidly increases (less than 18 dBc).

[0056] The second approach is a phase-weighted algorithm proposed to address the shortcomings of the first approach. This algorithm can ensure that the excitation amplitude of each array element is consistent and modulates only the excitation phase of the array elements to optimize the sidelobes and cross-polarization of the array. However, this method also faces the problem of unsatisfactory experimental results and very limited sidelobe suppression and mainlobe shaping capabilities.

[0057] The third approach is sparse array configuration design based on optimization algorithms. This method suppresses sidelobe levels by disrupting the spatial coherence of sidelobes through non-uniform array element arrangement. Typical methods include genetic algorithms, particle swarm optimization, iterative fast Fourier transform, and convex optimization algorithms. However, while this approach can effectively reduce sidelobes, it often results in a main lobe gain decrease of more than 3dB and typically involves high computational complexity and slow convergence.

[0058] The fourth method is to physically rotate the array elements based on sequential rotation technology to optimize the physical arrangement of the array. This method is a relatively mature solution proposed by current phased array antennas to solve the problems of large scanning angle axial ratio and cross-polarization. It uses a rotation step of 90° or 360° / N, where N is any non-zero natural number, to physically rotate the array elements, reduce the mutual coupling effect between array elements, and improve the sidelobes and cross-polarization characteristics of the array wide-angle scanning. However, the following problems still exist when using this method: (1) It has high precision design requirements for array element spacing, phase and manufacturing, and the axial ratio bandwidth is limited. The circular polarization performance of the array decreases significantly after deviating from the center operating frequency; (2) The cross-polarization suppression effect of wide-angle scanning of high-frequency broadband arrays above Ka is not obvious, and the traditional sequential rotation technology with a rotation step of 90° causes the array to have high sidelobes in the diagonal azimuth section.

[0059] It is evident that the proposed methods for reducing sidelobes and cross-polarization of phased array antennas in related technologies face numerous problems that urgently need to be solved in the application of spaceborne communication environments, and are subject to technical and process challenges.

[0060] To address the aforementioned problems, an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure provides a spaceborne phased array antenna. For example... Figure 1 The spaceborne phased array antenna 100 may include at least one antenna array 110, each antenna array 110 including multiple array element antennas. In the figure, each rectangle represents a specific array element antenna, α... ij The value represents the rotation angle of the corresponding array element antenna, i represents the row position of the corresponding array element antenna, and j represents the column position of the corresponding array element antenna.

[0061] To suppress this situation, in the antenna array 110 provided in this disclosure, the rotation angle of each element antenna is an integer multiple of a specified rotation degree, and the rotation angles of all element antennas are not exactly the same. As a result, during operation, the surface current and electric field of each element antenna undergo aperiodic polarization and phase perturbation with the surface current and electric field of other element antennas. This avoids the problem of rapid rise of far-field sidelobes and cross-polarization in the diagonal azimuth section of the antenna array without sacrificing the main lobe gain. It can effectively improve the radiation capability of wide-angle scanning and improve the overall performance of the spaceborne phased array antenna.

[0062] According to the spaceborne phased array antenna provided in this disclosure, since the rotation angles of each element antenna in the antenna array are not exactly the same, the surface current and electric field of each element antenna undergo non-periodic polarization and phase disturbance with the surface current and electric field of other element antennas during operation. This avoids the problem of rapid rise of far-field sidelobes and cross-polarization of the diagonal azimuth section of the antenna array, so that the spaceborne phased array antenna can better resist interference, improve its survivability and adaptability in complex environments, and thus help improve the overall performance of the spaceborne phased array antenna.

[0063] In some embodiments, the rotation angle range of the array element antenna can be 0-360°, and the rotation angles of any two array element antennas in the antenna array 110 can be the same or different. That is, in this disclosure, for the same antenna array 110, the rotation angle of each array element antenna can be any angle between 0-360°. However, in order to reduce the interference caused by cross-polarization and phase disturbance, it is also necessary to ensure that the rotation angle of each array element antenna is an integer multiple of the specified rotation degree, thereby ensuring the stability of the array element antenna performance and reducing interference caused by inaccurate angle adjustment.

[0064] The specified integer multiples of rotation degrees can have a degree of randomness, allowing any two antenna elements in the antenna array 110 to have the same or different rotation angles. This enables precise beamforming during operation through different combinations of rotation angles, enhancing the flexibility of beam direction adjustment, facilitating interleaved feeding designs, and meeting diverse communication or surveillance needs. Furthermore, precise beamforming allows the antenna elements to maintain main lobe gain during wide-angle scanning, reducing gain loss due to beam spread and thus improving the radiation capability of wide-angle scanning, thereby enhancing overall performance.

[0065] In some embodiments, the specified rotation degree can be 5.625°. This specified rotation degree can be determined based on the accuracy of the phased array phase shifter, thus ensuring compatibility with standard communication and radar systems during satellite communication. It enables precise beam direction control without requiring additional hardware or software adjustments, providing not only more refined beamforming capabilities but also effectively saving computing power, improving optimization efficiency, and reducing simulation storage and optimization time. This ultimately enhances the performance of the spaceborne phased array antenna 100, making it more reliable and practical.

[0066] In some embodiments, multiple antenna elements can be arranged in a rectangular interval, and the number of rows of antenna elements in the antenna array 110 can be the same as or different from the number of columns. By arranging multiple antenna elements in a rectangular interval, a rectangular grid can be formed in the antenna plane to cover the desired communication area. The rectangle can be a square with the same number of rows and columns, or a rectangle with different numbers of rows and columns. If the number of rows and columns are the same, this symmetrical arrangement of the antenna array 110 can uniformly cover the area or be better applied in scenarios with equidistant propagation. If the number of rows and columns are different, this asymmetrical arrangement of the antenna array 110 can optimize specific beamforming or cover areas of a specific shape. For example, longer columns may be used to provide a wider beamwidth, while shorter rows may be used to maintain higher gain. The element distance between adjacent antenna elements is the same. The element distance can be a specified distance or determined based on the operating wavelength of the antenna element; this is not specified here.

[0067] Furthermore, by arranging multiple array element antennas in a rectangular interval, satellite communication can be conducted without the need for computationally complex weighting algorithms. Instead, conventional uniform amplitude weighting can be used to obtain the required sidelobe suppression (e.g., a suppression ratio of the second and above sidelobes of more than 20 dBc) and the required cross-polarization suppression capability (e.g., a cross-polarization suppression capability of more than 25 dBc).

[0068] In some embodiments, there can be multiple antenna arrays 110, and these multiple antenna arrays 110 are arranged in rectangular intervals according to different specified arrangement directions, thereby providing more spatial dimensional information and enhancing spatial resolution. Furthermore, each array can independently form a beam, and by combining the beams of different arrays, multi-beamforming can be achieved, covering a wider frequency band or spatial region. The direction and shape of the beam can then be adjusted according to different application requirements, thereby better suppressing interference from specific directions. For example, a spaceborne phased array antenna 100 composed of multiple antenna arrays 110 can be as follows... Figure 2 As shown, the spaceborne phased array antenna 100 includes M×N array element antennas. The values ​​of M and N depend on the layout of the multiple antenna arrays 110. If M represents the number of array rows and N represents the number of array columns, then M and N can be the same or different. Since the values ​​of M and N are not limited, and the structures of each antenna array 110 are the same, to avoid ambiguity in the illustration, only one antenna array 110 is indicated by a dashed box.

[0069] In some examples, the array rotation angle between two adjacent antenna arrays 110 differs by +90° or -90°. That is, to improve the layout efficiency of the antenna arrays 110, the layout position of one antenna array 110 can be used as a reference, and then the layout position of the next antenna array 110 can be determined by rigidly rotating it, and so on, until the layout of all antenna arrays 110 is completed, thereby simplifying the layout process. Furthermore, to avoid overlapping between two adjacent antenna arrays 110, each rigid rotation is performed in a +90° or -90° direction. This not only ensures that the layout position after rotation is adjacent to the layout position before rotation, but also ensures that the element spacing between all array elements in two adjacent antenna arrays 110 is the same, thereby ensuring the uniformity of signal propagation and the overall performance of the spaceborne phased array antenna 100.

[0070] In some optional application scenarios, taking the spaceborne phased array antenna 100, which includes four antenna arrays 110, as an example, the architectural diagram of the spaceborne phased array antenna 100 obtained by rigidly rotating it counterclockwise can be shown as follows: Figure 3 As shown. The four antenna arrays 110 include a first antenna array, a second antenna array, a third antenna array, and a fourth antenna array. With the layout of the first antenna array determined, the layout of the second antenna array is obtained by rigidly rotating the layout of the first antenna array counterclockwise by 90°; the layout of the third antenna array is obtained by rigidly rotating the layout of the first antenna array counterclockwise by 180°; and the layout of the fourth antenna array is obtained by rigidly rotating the layout of the first antenna array counterclockwise by 270°.

[0071] In some embodiments, there can be multiple antenna arrays 110, and these multiple antenna arrays 110 are arranged in a rectangular interval according to the same specified arrangement direction, which simplifies beamforming calculations and makes signal processing simpler. Furthermore, arranging multiple antenna arrays 110 according to the same specified arrangement direction can reduce the cost of hardware adjustment and calibration, provide uniform spatial coverage, and enable synchronous operation. The specified arrangement direction can be determined according to requirements. For example, the specified arrangement direction can be horizontal, vertical, or any specified angular direction.

[0072] In some embodiments, the target angle range may include ±55° or more to meet the requirements for wide-angle scanning.

[0073] Based on the same inventive concept, this disclosure also provides a satellite that may include the spaceborne phased array antenna of any of the foregoing embodiments. The satellite provided by this disclosure features a simple structure for its spaceborne phased array antenna, facilitating RF routing and integrated packaging. Furthermore, since the rotation angle of each element antenna in the spaceborne phased array antenna is an integer multiple of a specified rotation degree, and the determination of this integer multiple has a certain degree of randomness, non-periodic polarization and phase disturbances can be introduced during actual operation. This effectively solves the problem of rapid rise in far-field sidelobes and cross-polarization in the diagonal azimuth section of the antenna array caused by traditional sequential rotation techniques, improving the sidelobe cross-polarization suppression capability during wide-angle scanning of the phased array. It can improve the radiation capability of wide-angle scanning while ensuring the main lobe gain, reducing gain drop during wide-angle scanning. Moreover, the element spacing between each element antenna is the same, so during simulation calculations, it is not necessary to use a complex weighted algorithm; conventional uniform amplitude weighted calculation can be used, effectively saving computing power and improving optimization efficiency.

[0074] Based on the same inventive concept, this disclosure also provides a low-Earth orbit satellite system, which may include multiple satellites according to any of the foregoing embodiments. The low-Earth orbit satellite system provided by this disclosure can effectively improve the suppression of sidelobes and cross-polarization under wide-bandwidth angle scanning of the array. Furthermore, the array size and element structure are not limited, possessing strong engineering feasibility and on-board product application value. Moreover, the antenna elements in the onboard phased array antenna are uniformly spaced, thus achieving excellent wide-bandwidth angle scanning performance based on uniform amplitude weighting and pure phase modulation. This significantly reduces computational complexity, saves simulation storage and optimization time, and demonstrates outstanding engineering practicality.

[0075] In this disclosure, the broadband circular polarization performance requirements of the array elements are relaxed, making it suitable for any array antenna structure with impedance matching characteristics. The design is simple and flexible, and it is easy to use simple array element structures and conventional RF motherboards for routing. Only the antenna part needs to be rotated to complete the layout, thereby ensuring high compatibility between the antenna and the RF structure and facilitating system integration applications.

[0076] Based on the same inventive concept, this disclosure also provides a method for arranging a spaceborne phased array antenna. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the layout method of this spaceborne phased array antenna may include the following steps:

[0077] Step S210: Obtain multiple array element antennas.

[0078] The array element antenna is used to scan the target angular range according to the target bandwidth frequency in the frequency band system. The array element antenna can include, but is not limited to, microstrip antennas, dipole antennas, etc., and the specific type can be determined according to actual needs.

[0079] Since the scanning range of each array element antenna is fixed, by acquiring multiple array element antennas, it can be determined whether the actual covered scanning range can meet the scanning range requirements, thereby helping to ensure the rationality of the determination of the number of array element antennas.

[0080] Step S220: Determine the rotation angle of each array element antenna.

[0081] The rotation angle is an integer multiple of the specified rotation degree, and the rotation angles of all array element antennas are not exactly the same.

[0082] By determining the rotation angle of each element antenna, the sidelobe level can be optimized and interference signals reduced. This allows the surface current and electric field of each element antenna to undergo aperiodic polarization and phase perturbation with those of other element antennas. Consequently, without sacrificing the main lobe gain, the problem of rapid rise in far-field sidelobes and cross-polarization in the diagonal azimuth section of the antenna array can be avoided. This effectively improves the radiation capability of wide-angle scanning and enhances the overall performance of the spaceborne phased array antenna.

[0083] Step S230: Obtain the antenna array based on the layout position of each array element antenna and its corresponding rotation angle.

[0084] In some optional application scenarios, based on the layout position and corresponding rotation angle of each antenna element, the antenna array can be modeled and laid out by constructing a High Frequency Structure Simulator (HFSS)-MATLAB co-simulation platform to obtain the antenna array. This allows for accurate simulation of the electromagnetic performance of the antenna array, optimization of the layout design, and improvement of layout efficiency.

[0085] In other alternative application scenarios, it is suitable for integrated layout in the form of millimeter-wave packaged antenna (AOP). In this way, the array element structure and conventional RF motherboard routing can be simplified during the layout process. Only the antenna part needs to be rotated to complete the layout. The antenna and RF structure have high compatibility, the layout process is more flexible, and it is convenient for system integration applications.

[0086] The layout method for spaceborne phased array antennas provided in this disclosure enables the surface currents and electric fields of each element antenna to undergo aperiodic polarization and phase perturbation with those of other elements during operation. This avoids the problem of rapid rise in far-field sidelobes and cross-polarization of the diagonal azimuth section of the antenna array, thus better resisting interference and improving survivability and adaptability in complex environments, thereby enhancing the overall performance of the spaceborne phased array antenna. Furthermore, the array size and element structure are unrestricted, possessing strong engineering feasibility and on-board product application value.

[0087] In some embodiments, the number of antenna arrays is multiple, and the layout method of the spaceborne phased array antenna may further include: arranging multiple antenna arrays in rectangular intervals according to different specified arrangement directions, and the array rotation angle between two adjacent antenna arrays differs by ±90°, which can effectively improve the sidelobe and cross-polarization suppression effect under wide bandwidth scanning of the array.

[0088] In other embodiments, there are multiple antenna arrays, and the layout method of the spaceborne phased array antenna may also include: arranging multiple antenna arrays in a rectangular interval according to the same specified arrangement direction, which can improve the layout efficiency and make the layout process simpler and more flexible.

[0089] In some embodiments, the layout method of the spaceborne phased array antenna may further include: performing phase calibration on each element antenna according to the layout position of all the element antennas and the corresponding rotation angle, so as to compensate for the physical rotation phase of each element antenna, thereby helping to carry out phase shaping of the subsequent scanning function of the array and meeting the system's requirements for beam control, accuracy and efficiency.

[0090] In some optional application scenarios, a spaceborne phased array antenna consists of 676 antenna elements, which can be considered as four antenna arrays, each containing 169 antenna elements. The rotation angle of each antenna element in each array is an integer multiple of 22.5°, and the determination of this integer multiple is random. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the four antenna arrays include a first antenna array, a second antenna array, a third antenna array, and a fourth antenna array. The layout of the second, third, and fourth antenna arrays is obtained by rotating the first antenna array counterclockwise around its center point by a 90° step. Taking the operating frequency band of 18.3-21 GHz as an example, the measured array pattern and axial ratio of this spaceborne phased array antenna can be obtained as follows: Figures 5a-16b As shown. Among them, Figure 5a and 5b These represent the radiation pattern and axial ratio of the 0-degree azimuth normal section at 18.3 GHz, respectively. Figure 5a The vertical axis represents the normalized gain (dBi), used to characterize the radiation intensity of the spaceborne phased array antenna under main polarization or cross polarization at different operating frequencies. The horizontal axis represents the elevation angle of the spaceborne phased array antenna at different operating frequencies (°). Figure 5b The vertical axis is represented by the axial ratio (dB), and the horizontal axis is represented by the elevation angle of the satellite-borne phased array antenna at different operating frequencies (°). Figure 6a and 6bThese represent the radiation pattern and axial ratio of the 0-degree azimuth cross-section at a scanning angle of 54° at 18.3 GHz. Figure 6a The vertical axis represents the normalized gain (dBi), used to characterize the radiation intensity of the spaceborne phased array antenna under main polarization or cross polarization at different operating frequencies. The horizontal axis represents the elevation angle of the spaceborne phased array antenna at different operating frequencies (°). Figure 6b The vertical axis is represented by the axial ratio (dB), and the horizontal axis is represented by the elevation angle of the satellite-borne phased array antenna at different operating frequencies (°). Figure 7a and 7b These represent the azimuth cross-sectional radiation patterns at 0 degrees in the 19GHz normal direction. Figure 7a The vertical axis represents the normalized gain (dBi), used to characterize the radiation intensity of the spaceborne phased array antenna under main polarization or cross polarization at different operating frequencies. The horizontal axis represents the elevation angle of the spaceborne phased array antenna at different operating frequencies (°). Figure 7b The vertical axis is represented by the axial ratio (dB), and the horizontal axis is represented by the elevation angle of the satellite-borne phased array antenna at different operating frequencies (°). Figure 8a and 8b These represent the radiation pattern and axial ratio of the 0-degree azimuth cross-section at a scanning angle of 54° at 19 GHz. Figure 8a The vertical axis represents the normalized gain (dBi), used to characterize the radiation intensity of the spaceborne phased array antenna under main polarization or cross polarization at different operating frequencies. The horizontal axis represents the elevation angle of the spaceborne phased array antenna at different operating frequencies (°). Figure 8b The vertical axis is represented by the axial ratio (dB), and the horizontal axis is represented by the elevation angle of the satellite-borne phased array antenna at different operating frequencies (°). Figure 9a and 9b These represent the radiation pattern and axial ratio of the 0-degree azimuth cross-section in the 20GHz normal direction. Figure 9a The vertical axis represents the normalized gain (dBi), used to characterize the radiation intensity of the spaceborne phased array antenna under main polarization or cross polarization at different operating frequencies. The horizontal axis represents the elevation angle of the spaceborne phased array antenna at different operating frequencies (°). Figure 9b The vertical axis is represented by the axial ratio (dB), and the horizontal axis is represented by the elevation angle of the satellite-borne phased array antenna at different operating frequencies (°). Figure 10a and 10b These represent the radiation pattern and axial ratio of the 0-degree azimuth cross-section at a scanning angle of 54° at 20 GHz. Figure 10aThe vertical axis represents the normalized gain (dBi), used to characterize the radiation intensity of the spaceborne phased array antenna under main polarization or cross polarization at different operating frequencies. The horizontal axis represents the elevation angle of the spaceborne phased array antenna at different operating frequencies (°). Figure 10b The vertical axis is represented by the axial ratio (dB), and the horizontal axis is represented by the elevation angle of the satellite-borne phased array antenna at different operating frequencies (°). Figure 11a and 11b These represent the radiation pattern and axial ratio of the 0-degree azimuth cross-section in the 21GHz normal direction. Figure 11a The vertical axis represents the normalized gain (dBi), used to characterize the radiation intensity of the spaceborne phased array antenna under main polarization or cross polarization at different operating frequencies. The horizontal axis represents the elevation angle of the spaceborne phased array antenna at different operating frequencies (°). Figure 11b The vertical axis is represented by the axial ratio (dB), and the horizontal axis is represented by the elevation angle of the satellite-borne phased array antenna at different operating frequencies (°). Figure 12a and 12b These represent the radiation pattern and axial ratio of the 0-degree azimuth cross-section at a scanning angle of 54° at 21 GHz. Figure 12a The vertical axis represents the normalized gain (dBi), used to characterize the radiation intensity of the spaceborne phased array antenna under main polarization or cross polarization at different operating frequencies. The horizontal axis represents the elevation angle of the spaceborne phased array antenna at different operating frequencies (°). Figure 12b The vertical axis is represented by the axial ratio (dB), and the horizontal axis is represented by the elevation angle of the satellite-borne phased array antenna at different operating frequencies (°). Figure 13a and 13b These represent the radiation pattern and axial ratio of a 45-degree azimuth cross-section at a scanning angle of 54° at 18.3 GHz. Figure 13a The vertical axis represents the normalized gain (dBi), used to characterize the radiation intensity of the spaceborne phased array antenna under main polarization or cross polarization at different operating frequencies. The horizontal axis represents the elevation angle of the spaceborne phased array antenna at different operating frequencies (°). Figure 13b The vertical axis is represented by the axial ratio (dB), and the horizontal axis is represented by the elevation angle of the satellite-borne phased array antenna at different operating frequencies (°). Figure 14a and 14b These represent the radiation pattern and axial ratio of a 45-degree azimuth cross-section at a scanning angle of 54° at 19 GHz. Figure 14a The vertical axis represents the normalized gain (dBi), used to characterize the radiation intensity of the spaceborne phased array antenna under main polarization or cross polarization at different operating frequencies. The horizontal axis represents the elevation angle of the spaceborne phased array antenna at different operating frequencies (°). Figure 14bThe vertical axis is represented by the axial ratio (dB), and the horizontal axis is represented by the elevation angle of the satellite-borne phased array antenna at different operating frequencies (°). Figure 15a and 15b These represent the radiation pattern and axial ratio of a 45-degree azimuth cross-section at a scanning angle of 54° at 20 GHz. Figure 15a The vertical axis represents the normalized gain (dBi), used to characterize the radiation intensity of the spaceborne phased array antenna under main polarization or cross polarization at different operating frequencies. The horizontal axis represents the elevation angle of the spaceborne phased array antenna at different operating frequencies (°). Figure 15b The vertical axis is represented by the axial ratio (dB), and the horizontal axis is represented by the elevation angle of the satellite-borne phased array antenna at different operating frequencies (°). Figure 16a and 16b These represent the radiation pattern and axial ratio of a 45-degree azimuth cross-section at a scanning angle of 54° at 21 GHz. Figure 16a The vertical axis represents the normalized gain (dBi), used to characterize the radiation intensity of the spaceborne phased array antenna under main polarization or cross polarization at different operating frequencies. The horizontal axis represents the elevation angle of the spaceborne phased array antenna at different operating frequencies (°). Figure 16b The vertical axis is represented by the axial ratio (dB), and the horizontal axis is represented by the elevation angle of the satellite-borne phased array antenna at different operating frequencies (°).

[0091] This disclosure uses specific terms to describe embodiments of the present disclosure. Terms such as "an embodiment," "one embodiment," and / or "some embodiments" refer to a particular feature, structure, or characteristic associated with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be emphasized and noted that references to "an embodiment," "one embodiment," or "an alternative embodiment" in different locations throughout this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, certain features, structures, or characteristics in one or more embodiments of the present disclosure can be appropriately combined.

[0092] In the context of this disclosure, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the words "a," "an," "an," and / or "the" do not specifically refer to the singular and may also include the plural. Generally speaking, the terms "comprising" and "including" only indicate the inclusion of expressly identified steps and elements, which do not constitute an exclusive list, and the method or apparatus may also include other steps or elements.

[0093] Similarly, it should be noted that, in order to simplify the description of this disclosure and thus aid in the understanding of one or more embodiments, the foregoing description of embodiments of this disclosure may sometimes combine multiple features into a single embodiment, drawing, or description thereof. However, this disclosure method does not imply that the subject matter of this disclosure requires more features than the features claimed. In fact, the embodiments contain fewer features than all the features of the single embodiments disclosed above.

[0094] The basic concepts have been described above. It is obvious that the above disclosure is merely illustrative and does not constitute a limitation of this disclosure. Although not explicitly stated herein, various modifications, improvements, and corrections may be made to this disclosure by those skilled in the art. Such modifications, improvements, and corrections are suggested in this disclosure and therefore remain within the spirit and scope of the embodiments of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A spaceborne phased array antenna, comprising: At least one antenna array, each of the antenna arrays comprising a plurality of element antennas, the element antennas being used to scan a target angular range in a frequency band system according to the target bandwidth frequency; In this antenna array, the rotation angle of each element antenna is an integer multiple of a specified rotation degree, and the rotation angles of all the element antennas are not exactly the same, so that the surface current and electric field of the element antenna are non-periodicly polarized and phase-perturbed with the surface current and electric field of the other element antennas.

2. The spaceborne phased array antenna according to claim 1, wherein, The rotation angle range of the array element antenna is 0-360°; The rotation angles of any two array element antennas in the antenna array may be the same or different.

3. The spaceborne phased array antenna according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The specified rotation degree is 5.625°.

4. The spaceborne phased array antenna according to claim 3, wherein, The array of multiple element antennas is arranged in a rectangular interval, and the number of rows of the element antennas in the antenna array may be the same as or different from the number of columns of the element antennas.

5. The spaceborne phased array antenna according to claim 4, wherein, The antenna arrays are multiple, and the multiple antenna arrays are arranged in rectangular intervals according to different specified arrangement directions.

6. The spaceborne phased array antenna according to claim 5, wherein, The array rotation angle between two adjacent antenna arrays differs by ±90°.

7. The spaceborne phased array antenna according to claim 4, wherein, The antenna arrays are multiple, and the multiple antenna arrays are arranged in a rectangular interval according to the same specified arrangement direction.

8. The spaceborne phased array antenna according to claim 1, wherein, The target angle range includes ±55° and above.

9. A satellite comprising the spaceborne phased array antenna according to any one of claims 1-8.

10. A low-orbit satellite system comprising a plurality of satellites as described in claim 9.

11. A method for arranging a spaceborne phased array antenna, comprising: Multiple array element antennas are acquired, and the array element antennas are used to scan the target angle range according to the target bandwidth frequency in the frequency band system; The rotation angle of each of the array element antennas is determined, wherein the rotation angle is an integer multiple of a specified rotation degree, and the rotation angles of all the array element antennas are not exactly the same, so that the surface current and electric field of the array element antenna are non-periodicly polarized and phase-perturbed with the surface current and electric field of the other array element antennas. The antenna array is obtained based on the layout position of each of the array element antennas and the corresponding rotation angle.

12. The layout method of the spaceborne phased array antenna according to claim 11, wherein, The number of antenna arrays is multiple, and the method further includes: Multiple antenna arrays are arranged in rectangular intervals according to different specified arrangement directions, and the array rotation angle between two adjacent antenna arrays differs by ±90°; or... Multiple antenna arrays are arranged in a rectangular interval according to the same specified arrangement direction.

13. The layout method of a spaceborne phased array antenna according to claim 11 or 12, wherein, The method further includes: Based on the layout positions of all the array element antennas and the corresponding rotation angles, phase calibration is performed on each of the array element antennas to compensate for the physical rotation phase of each array element antenna.

Images